Crown Vic as a winter/daily driver car?

[svtrick]

Hey, I came across a 98 Crown Vic P.I. for fairly cheap. It's got 138k, white(no visible marks from decals), and the body is pretty clean(two dents towards the rear of the car) for being such a high mileage cop car. The engine purred nicely, no audile ticking, and it felt strong. Anyway, does this sound like a decent deal for $2500? I took it for a test drive the other day, it rode really nicely (the suspension didn't seem too worn out), the transmission shifted crisply, and overall it was a nice car. What I thought was weird about the car, is that *all* the equipment was stuffed in the trunk (lightbar, sirens, rear lights, computer, med kit), is that usually what they do?

A few more questions I have... is it normal to hear the flywheel spinning(like a whirring noise)? I guess I've never really noticed it in any cars I've owned, but then again, I've never owned an automatic or something with quiet exhaust. I was thinking the reason I'm able to hear it is because the car has a rubber floor with no center console, so maybe it lets some drivetrain noise through the body. How are these beasts in the winter with a good set of winter tires on them?

Think it sounds like a waste of $2500, or a good deal?

Thanks,

-Rick

[Roast'em]

I bet I know where you found it.

I'd say get the flywheel thing checked out by a mechanic, but if it turns out ok then hell yeah, buy it. Those cars are indestructible. Even better that they left you some cool police accessories.

[CleanLX]

rear wheel drive v8 + snow = sideways fun!
A pair of blizzak tires and ur good to go.
A crown vic/cop car would sweet have!

[FiveO]

A couple of Blizzak's and 2 tubes of sand and you should be fine.

I drove CV's around in the snow for many years. No major problems.

A 1998 with that high of mileage means only one thing....it was probably a county squad...which means more highway miles.


Or was it? Do you know what department it came from?

[DNeinstadt]

I've owned Ford Crown Vic type cars all my life, they're fine in the winter as long as you're not a dumbass. The '98 should have traction control too right? Is this a TRUE P71 package?

Dan

[Zephyrefi]

I would love to get a Crown Vic and black it all out for my winter car. All i really know about them reliability-wise is that police departments and taxi companies put some serious, hard miles on them, so they've got to be pretty good. Only now are police departments even considering anything else, that stupid V6 FWD Impala, we'll see how long THAT lasts...

[svtrick]

Yea, I'm pretty sure that it's a true P71. (No PATS, Rubber Flooring, Driver-side spotlight, and vinyl rear seats. The dealer said it came from the Oakdale Police Department. He recieved no records on the car when he bought it.
It does have traction control, and the 'Traction Off' button was in the glove box.
Anyone know of any good mechanics in the Oakdale area to get it checked out at or does anyone want to come check it out with me?

-Rick

[MontiMach]

ya know, with all that crap stuffed in the trunk I might run the VIN for a stolen car.

Sounds fishy.

[YZBot]

Originally posted by supersnake
ya know, with all that crap stuffed in the trunk I might run the VIN for a stolen car.

Sounds fishy.

yeah, but you have to some big balls to try and sell a stolen cop car.

[svtrick]

I had someone do a carfax for me, and it came back with zero records... Is that common for the Police Interceptors, or does something just smell really fishy about the whole thing?

Here's, the VIN if someone else has some different sources for information on the car, 2FAFP71W7WX152942.

Thanks for any help,

-Rick

[MontiMach]

With everything in the trunk, sounds like someone was
in a hurry to get rid of it.

I'd say if it runs good, and stops good then get some
decent anti-bacterial cleaner to clean up the interior and trunk
(who knows who or what was in there) and go for it!

Good Luck.